Hematology Medications: Key side effects and primary uses

Warfarin primary uses

VTE, atrial fibrillation

Warfarin key side effects

bleeding, skin necrosis, teratogenicity; many drug interactions

Heparin (UFH) primary uses

DVT/PE treatments, ACS

Heparin (UFH) key side effects

bleeding, HIT (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia), osteoporosis (long-term)

Enoxaparin primary uses

DVT prophylaxis and treatment

Enoxaparin key side effects

bleeding, HIT (less than VFH), injection site bruising

Rivaroxaban primary uses

DVT/PE, atrial fibrillation

Rivaroxaban key side effects

Bleeding, GI bleed higher than warfarin; no routine monitoring needed

Aspirin primary uses

CVD prevention, antiplatelet

Aspirin key side effects

GI ulcers/bleeing, tinnitus (high doses), Reye syndrome (children)

Filgrastim (G-CSF) primary uses

chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Filgrastim (G-CSF) key side effects

bone pain, splenomegaly, rare splenic rupture, leukocytosis

Hydroxyurea primary uses

sickle cell disease, CML

Hydroxyurea key side effects

Myeosuppression, skin ulcers, teratogenicity, secondary leukemia (rare)

Ferrous Sulfate (iron) primary uses

Iron-deficiency anemia

Ferrous Sulfate (iron) key side effects

Gi upset, constipation, black stools; overdose is toxic (especially in children)

Folic acid primary uses

Megaloblastic anemia, pregnancy

Folic acid key side effects

generally safe; may mask B12 deficiency if given alone

Prednisone primary uses

ITP, hemolytic anemia

Prednisone key side effects

hyperglycemia, immunosuppression, osteoporosis, adrenal suppression